Instant ramen is quick, cheap, and satisfying, but let’s be honest—it can be a little plain on its own. The good news? With just a few simple upgrades, you can turn an ordinary bowl of instant ramen into a gourmet meal. Whether you want to add more flavor, texture, or protein, here are some easy ways to take your ramen to the next level.
- Upgrade the broth
Instant ramen broth can be a little weak, but you can make it richer and more flavorful with just a few additions.
Easy ways to enhance your ramen broth:
- Soy sauce or tamari – Adds a deep umami flavor.
- Sesame oil – A few drops give the broth a nutty richness.
- Miso paste – Mix in a spoonful for a classic Japanese ramen taste.
- Garlic and ginger – Freshly minced or powdered, they add instant depth.
- Coconut milk – A splash creates a creamy, slightly sweet broth.
- Rice seasoning packets – If you have extra seasoning packets from instant rice or furikake blends, sprinkle them into the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
By enhancing the broth first, you set the foundation for a truly gourmet bowl of ramen.
- Add protein for a heartier meal
Instant ramen is mostly noodles and broth, but adding protein makes it more filling and satisfying.
Great protein additions for ramen:
- Soft-boiled eggs – The classic ramen topping! Cook an egg for 6-7 minutes, then peel and slice it in half.
- Poached or fried egg – Drop an egg directly into the hot broth or fry one separately and place it on top.
- Shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful protein boost.
- Tofu – Cubed or pan-fried, it soaks up the delicious broth.
- Ground pork or beef – Cook it with garlic and soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Shrimp or fish – Seafood pairs well with miso or soy-based ramen broths.
Adding protein makes your instant ramen taste like something you’d get at a ramen shop.
- Toss in fresh or frozen veggies
Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrition to your ramen, making it feel more like a homemade dish.
Best veggies to add to ramen:
- Green onions – Slice them thin and sprinkle on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Mushrooms – Shiitake or button mushrooms add an umami boost.
- Spinach or bok choy – Toss in leafy greens for added nutrients.
- Corn – A little sweetness balances the salty broth.
- Carrots or bell peppers – Add crunch and color.
- Frozen peas or edamame – Quick and easy protein and texture.
If you’re in a hurry, just throw in a handful of frozen mixed veggies. They’ll warm up quickly in the hot broth.
- Use rice furikake for a burst of umami
If you want to take your ramen to the next level, try adding rice furikake. This Japanese-inspired seasoning blend usually contains seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes dried fish or egg. It instantly adds a rich umami taste and extra texture.
Ways to use rice furikake in ramen:
- Sprinkle it on top before serving for an easy flavor boost.
- Mix it into the broth for added depth.
- Coat soft-boiled eggs with furikake before adding them to your ramen.
It’s a simple trick that makes your ramen taste like something from a specialty restaurant.
- Add nori komi furikake for a seaweed crunch
Another amazing topping for ramen is nori komi furikake, a blend of sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. It brings a subtle ocean-like flavor and a little crunch, making your ramen feel more gourmet.
How to use nori komi furikake in ramen:
- Sprinkle it over the finished bowl for an extra umami kick.
- Mix it into the broth to enhance the savory depth.
- Use it as a topping for tofu or eggs in your ramen.
If you love the taste of seaweed in traditional Japanese ramen, this is a must-try addition.
- Spice it up for extra heat
If you love spicy ramen, don’t just rely on the little spice packet. Here are some great ways to add heat:
- Sriracha or chili oil – A classic way to add a spicy kick.
- Red pepper flakes – A quick and easy option.
- Kimchi – Fermented Korean cabbage adds spice and tanginess.
- Gochujang – A Korean chili paste that adds depth and sweetness.
Adding spice makes your ramen bolder and more flavorful, perfect for those who love a little heat.
- Try different noodle textures
If you want to make your ramen feel more gourmet, consider switching up the noodles.
- Upgrade your instant noodles – Some brands offer higher-quality noodles that taste more like restaurant ramen.
- Use fresh or frozen ramen noodles – Available at many Asian grocery stores, these have a chewier texture.
- Try shirataki noodles – A great low-carb alternative if you’re watching carbs.
Better noodles = a better bowl of ramen!
- Drizzle with finishing sauces
The right sauce can transform your ramen into a gourmet meal. Try drizzling these before serving:
- Ponzu sauce – A citrusy soy sauce that adds a fresh kick.
- Eel sauce – A sweet, thick soy-based glaze.
- Sesame dressing – Adds creaminess and nuttiness.
- Wasabi mayo – A little spicy, a little creamy—perfect for ramen.
A drizzle of the right sauce can change the entire flavor of your bowl.
- Add a crispy topping for texture
Texture is key when upgrading instant ramen. Adding something crunchy on top can take it to the next level.
Best crispy toppings for ramen:
- Crispy garlic or fried shallots – Adds a delicious crunch.
- Crushed roasted seaweed – Enhances the umami flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds – Brings a nutty element.
- Crushed peanuts or cashews – Great for a Thai-style ramen twist.
Toppings not only add flavor but also make the bowl look more visually appealing.
Final thoughts
Instant ramen is already delicious, but with just a few simple additions—like Furikake Food, rice seasoning packets, and nori komi furikake—you can turn it into a gourmet meal. Whether you’re boosting the broth, adding protein, tossing in fresh veggies, or experimenting with new textures, there are endless ways to customize your bowl for a rich, umami-packed experience.
What’s your favorite way to upgrade instant ramen? Let us know in the comments!
